The music series being proposed up behind City Hall is still a possibility for this year. If it happens, the promoter will be allowed one season to see how it goes. Consultants are working on the Draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) and citizens will be able to weigh in on it soon. There are strong viewpoints for and against it happening in that location so it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the near future.

It was pretty cool hearing The Calamity’s new CD, A Ghost of These Moments played live from beginning to end during their CD release party at Bombay’s. They guys so nailed it. Afterwards I ventured in the backroom for Crazy Rust, a Neil Young tribute band, where lo and behold, Neal Casal had joined in for their second set.

We joined Kat Merrick on her Totally Local VC float for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown Ventura and Dan Grimm was on the float playing live for the crowds. Dan recently released his latest called Average Savage, and I have to say that Dan continues to grow as a songwriter. His songs tell stories of love, drama and struggle, some of which are quite personal. And I’ll be up front and honest, there is nothing sexier than a man who isn’t afraid to show his love for his woman and profess he’ll eat monsters for her. That’s just feakin’ awesome! Dan describes his sound as “flip-floppytonk” or “rock ‘n’ roll with a little bit of country” and I can’t disagree. You should check it out at www.DanisGrimm.com .

I ran into Trey from Pulse Drumming the other evening and he told me about some drum clinics they have coming up. The one that caught my attention will be the one with Vinny Appice, and I’m a little upset I never got around to learning the drums because what an opportunity to sit in with one of the masters! Appice, who has played with Dio, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Derringer and Axis (I still have the vinyl for that one), will be here in town on Saturday, May 17. The clinic is offered to all ages and abilities. Call Pulse Drumming for more info (805) 648-3786.

I already have my tickets for two upcoming shows at Squashed Grapes. First it’s Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returning for a show on March 22, and then it’s The Jazz Punks on the 28th. The Grape has really been pulling in some terrific acts helping to establish them even more as the Jazz place to be Wednesday through Sundays. Call for ticket availability at (805) 643-7300.

And finally, shows to watch out for at the Majestic Ventura Theater include Cage the Elephant, Pet Shop Boys and Ellie Goulding, more information can be found at www.VenturaRocks.com.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

I’ve gotten to know Dan Grimm the past couple of years and have had several conversations with him, the last one with him explaining how “Ventucky” is not a derogatory term…at least not to him. He loves this town; there is no doubt about that.

With his latest release Average Savage, Dan continues to grow as a songwriter. His songs tell stories of love, drama, struggle, some of which are quite personal. I’ll be up front and honest, there is nothing sexier than a man who isn’t afraid to show his love for his woman and profess he’ll eat monsters for her.

MonstersBaby don’t you worryCuz I eat monsters for youSweet tasty monsters just for you

That’s just freakin’ awesome!

I love grabbing an ice cold beer at the end of the day, sitting down and putting my feet up while relaxing to Dan Grimm, because I know before long I will feel at ease with any residual stress from the day will just fade away with each song. By the time I get to “Mirror” I’m relaxed and I’ve finally arrived home mentally, leaving the day behind.

And as much as love relaxing to Dan’s music, I always try to catch his shows live because Dan always surrounds himself with nothing but the best local talent around. It’s not long before the audience as a whole finds the groove and starts dancing to tunes such as the title track, “Even Good Love” or “Seven Up.”

Dan describes his sound as “flip-floppytonk” or “rock ‘n’ roll with a little bit of country” and I can’t disagree. I loved learning the lyrics and anticipating the slide guitar or vocal harmonies. The album was well produced with a mix of guitar sounds between acoustic, steel and electric (loved that slide guitar work from Neal Casal and vocals from Jaime Wyatt).

Even Good Love HurtsWha’d you think it would be easy It aint trouble all the time You could try harder to please me I don’t read minds and pantomime

Sweet ReliefTry to tell a man he’s got no integrity Even if he’s evil and all he tells is lies lies lies and I don’t think there is any remedy Maybe it’s best if you cut your ties